Chapter 4: The message of the hat
Harry found his way up to King Cross station, and revised again his ticket anxiously. Hagrid had just disappeared, leaving him shocked without a chance to question him. He re-read the ticket once again for confirmation and reckoned that the ticket would not change.
Is it some kind of joke?
Grudgingly he made way towards platform 9 and was disappointed when indeed, platform 9 ¾ did not exist. He mentally kicked himself for not asking Hagrid sooner how to find the Hogwarts express. But at that right moment, a red-headed family swooped next to him muttering between them.
"Yea… those weird muggles"
It was the last word that caught Harry's attention and glanced at the family that was now standing in front of the pillar of platform 10. His eyes widened as one of the eldest boys ran directly against the wall but instead of crashing, he disappeared through it. Then, getting closer, he heard the lady urging two other brothers who were unmistakably twins.
"Go on George!" said the Woman rushing the first of the twins.
"Really, woman, I would expect my own mother to know my name"
"Can't you see that I am George" said the other twin.
"Oh sorry Fred, you too look the same" she said barely paying attention, as he tended to the younger boy.
"We were just kidding mother, I am George" the twin said as they ran, disappearing into the wall.
"Err… excuse me ma'am" said Harry
"Yes, dear" said the woman kindly "Oh, you are Hogwarts right?"
He nodded in reply.
"Well I suppose it is your first time. Ronald is on his first year too. And this young lady is Ginny" she said gesturing to the youngest boy, and a little girl that was hiding behind her.
Her brown-hazel eyes met Harry's and they were immediately locked. Just for a couple seconds they immersed in each other for what it seemed ages. During that moment he wished to be lost in those beautiful eyes forever. Harry had to shake his head to get his head straight.
"How can I get into the platform" Harry asked, trying to sound nice.
"Oh, of course dear. You just have to go straight at the wall and try not to call much attention from the muggles. That simple!"
He looked at the younger boy nervously. The red-headed then spoke for the first time.
"Don't worry its easy. You just follow me… let's go, ill race you…"
And with that the two boys ran for it and quickly passed through the fake wall. Several dozens of boys and girl were saying their goodbyes to their parents, getting their trunks to the train or meeting with other students their age. Many of the carriages were already packed up so they hurried to one of the last ones, as the red train's engine started and some white smoke came out the smokestack.
"Fred, George, why don't you help these two, it is their fist time" the woman said just after she and her daughter crossed through the gate.
The two twins helped them get both trunks into the corner of the compartment as Ron took Hedwig's cage. One of the twins suddenly pointed at Harry's forehead.
"What is that?"
"No way!" The other twin said "Are you?
"Huh?" asked harry absent-mindedly
"Harry Potter?"
"Oh! Him…" Harry said "I mean… me… yes… yes I am"
"Wicked!" They heard both chorus, as he walked inside the aisle of the train.
There he heard the twins outside making jokes of the eldest brother, before saying good bye to their mother and sister.
"Oh I'm so proud, Percy!" said one of them in a mocking tone.
"A perfect. Who would have imagined?" the little girl laughed at their remark. As the last one of them got to the train, they yelled back to their mother.
"Guess who we met on the train, mom?"
"Who was it Fred?" the lady asked
"Remember the boy we helped on the platform. It was none other than Harry Potter. You know, the short one, with black hair?
"Oh mommy! Can I go up the train to see him?" the little girl shrieked and jumped excitedly.
"No, dear, you are too young to get on the train" the mother said, grabbing her arm to keep her of getting inside.
"Oh mummy but I'm ten! I will be in Hogwarts next year!" the girl replied but was ignored by her mother who turned again at the twins.
"Are you sure?" she asked
"Yeah we saw the scar and everything!"
"Oh poor dear, he was so polite when he asked us for help"
Harry then wandered on to the train looking for a free compartment but found none. On the last one he saw a single boy seated, staring out the window. Seeing that he was probably his same age, he opened the door. The boy, hearing the door sliding, turned to see him and Harry opened his eyes in surprise.
"Robert!" exclaimed Harry
"Hey Harry" answered Robert. Harry noted the same tone of sadness in his voice, though he quickly hid it with a smirk and nodded.
"Come on, sit down" he added pointing to the seat in front of him.
"How was your week with your family?" asked Robert still smirking.
"Oh just lovely" answered Harry scowling and taking the seat that Robert had pointed
"We were a bundle of joy and happiness together me, my aunt, his stupid husband and my whale of a cousin"
Both of them let out a loud laughter, catching the attention of the neighbor compartments. Then the door opened up and the red-haired boy entered quickly, catching his breath.
"Err…" started Robert "Hi?"
"Oh yeah" said the boy "sorry, can I sit here? My brothers are trying to pull a prank on me"
"Sure, hop in" said Robert and watched Harry confused.
"Thanks" said the boy as he shut the door behind him and sat next to harry.
"I'm Ron by the way, Ron Weasley"
The door slid open once again and the twins were back.
"Hello Harry, did we introduce ourselves?" said one of the twins smirking. They had refrained of whatever they were going to do to Ron.
"We are Fred and George Weasley. I see you've met little Ronniekins here. Listen Ron were going to the middle of the train, Jordan says he has a giant tarantula."
And with that they left and Robert shut the door again. He then glanced at Ron, who was still trying not to look at Harry's scar. Robert then broke the awkward silence.
"Hey, err… I'm Robert" he said extending his hand to Ron. He gladly took it and did the same with Harry. This time he didn't even try to look away the scar.
"Is that where… you know?"
"Yes… but I can`t remember anything" Harry answered, trying to cover the scar with his hair. Ron blushed slightly.
"Oh, err… I'm sorry about your folks…" Ron said nervous
"It's okay…" Harry said.
"Is your family all wizards?" Robert asked trying to change the mood, although not really interested, since his mind had drifted back to St. Mark's.
"Yes they are. I think my mum has a cousin that is a muggle but they don't talk much about him"
"You must know loads of magic already!" Harry exclaimed
"Not really… most of first years don't have a clue of how to do a spell… even muggleborns stand the same chances."
"But it must have been cool to have lived with magic all your life" interrupted Robert.
They spent a couple hours talking about wizarding and muggle families. They got a bunch of treats from the trolley, trying almost any candy and sweets they could get hold off. Harry even got a Dumbledore card from his Chocolate frog, along with Merlin and Morgana.
During the whole conversation they notice Robert had started looking gloomy and depressed but they quickly ignored it when he started joking along with them.
An hour later the door from the cabin opened up and a girl with brown mushy hair and a bossy tone of voice entered. She glanced upon the three boys and stopped by Ron.
He was staring hard at Hermione but quickly composed himself. He had been trying to show the other boys a spell that his brothers had told him to turn his rat yellow just before the girl busted in.
"Hello. I'm looking for a Toad. A boy just lost it back there, have you seen it?" the girl said.
The three boys shook their heads. The girl then noticed that Ron had his wand out.
"Oh you're doing magic! Let's see it"
Ron smirked lightly but quickly cleared his throat. He mumbled a couple of words but they only made the rat jump a little and run under his cloak.
"Damn you Fred!" Ron exclaimed
"The spell didn't seem quite a real one" the girl interrupted him.
"I've tried a few spells myself. I'm actually the first one in my family ever to be… magical, but they were very surprised when I got my letter. I just hope that reading all the books by heart will be enough"
The three boys just stared shocked at her speech and shook their heads.
"Well I have just tried the simpler ones." She added, looking at Harry.
"Oh my god! You are Harry Potter"
"Yes I am"
"Yes he is" added Robert rolling his eyes, which made both Ron and Harry laugh, but it quickly faded when the girl stood serious, sharp looking at Harry. Then she turned to Ron.
"My name Is Hermione Granger" she said "and who are you?"
"Call me Rob…" he said lazily, gazing outside the window.
"And I'm Ron, Ron Weasley" the red headed said.
"Anyways, you should change into your cloaks… we will be arriving soon. I've just asked the driver". And with that the girl went out the carriage and closed the door.
"At last…" said Ron. But two seconds later the door slid open again and the pale, pointy-faced boy entered along with two big not-very-smart looking boys.
"Is it true?" he asked "Everyone is saying that Harry Potter is here"
"Yeah, want an autograph?" said Rob bluntly.
"I wasn't speaking to you moron" the boy answered. "My name is Draco Malfoy, this is Crabbe and Goyle. You shouldn't be socializing with this scum" he added extending his hand
"I can help you with that. You will find that some wizarding families are better than others"
"Thank you I can sort it out myself" Harry answered.
"Have it your way then" Malfoy answered, taking his hand back "But you should remember to be careful. Or you will end up like your parents and the little stupid brother of yours…"
Malfoy only managed to smirk for one second, because after that his cloak caught on fire. Harry and Ron were red, and about to explode, but in his hand, Harry had formed a little fire ball but banished a second later. Running like idiots, Malfoy and his two bodyguards got out the carriage and Rob got up and shut the door.
"Bloody hell, Harry what was that?" Ron asked.
"It looked like you were on fire" Rob stated with a frown.
He wasn't really surprised. Just a week ago, he himself had done magic without knowing. Or that was what Dumbledore had told him, since he couldn't remember doing it. He pushed those memories back and tried to concentrate on what had just happened.
"That Malfoy…" he continued "he's kind of evil"
"I've heard his father was one of the first to return after who-must-not-be-named was beaten by you…" Ron added.
For a third time the door slid open again. The girl entered again coughing and her face was blackened by the smoke.
"What were you thinking?!" she shrieked, cleaning her face. "You could be reported. Who did it? Who made the spell?"
The three boys looked at each other anxiously. They all knew It had been Harry but they weren't about to rat him out. Hermione crossed his arms looking menacingly at them.
Again Ron looked at her nervously. Rob noticed it and frowned but quickly looked again at the girl, who looked pretty angry by then.
"Well, I'm waiting"
"You can keep up waiting" said Ron hesitantly, and the girl raised an eyebrow.
"Do you want me to get a prefect?" said Hermione.
"You wouldn't"
"She wouldn't what?" Two voices from behind said. Hermione jumped away stumbling into Ron who blushed furiously as he helped her get up. Both Weasley twins grinned amusedly.
"Who's your girlfriend" said Fred
"Way to go bro. Not even first day, that might be a record." Said George
"Or not" added Fred looking at an angry Hermione, red from the embarrassment. She stormed out of the cabin and went the opposite way from the prefects' carriage, muttering something under her breath.
"So you like'em feisty, eh Ron?" said George, making everyone laugh.
"At least we know you are into girls..." said Fred smirking at him.
"Ha ha ha…"
"By the way, who burnt the hell out of Lucius Malfoy's son? Quite a show eh? Percy barely got him before the fire could do serious damage. He sure looked pissed."
"Me…" said Harry somewhat nervous.
"Nicely done!" Fred said while both of the twins patted him on the shoulders. Rob looked amused, suppressing a laugh.
"Harry 'Blazing' Potter" George gestured a sign with his hand.
"Just don't let'em catch you" added Fred
"You will be just fine. Be careful, Especially with Snape" he said
"He will not be very… tolerant with 'misbehavior'…" and with that they stormed out of the carriage.
"We should get our cloaks… I can see the castle" said Ron
It was simply majestic. The medieval fortress solemnly awaited on top of a hill. Its towers watched over the immense grounds, where a lake stood next to a stadium Harry figured it was for Quidditch. On the far side of the castle, was a small hut on the border of a dark, gloomy forest, its windows lighted and smoke was trailing out the chimney. Eventually, they stopped and a familiar voice commenced calling for the first years.
"First years! Come with me!" Hagrid said.
"Hagrid!" Rob and Harry exclaimed.
"You know him?!" asked Ron silently.
"Yes, he is the gamekeeper" answered Harry "He's quite cool"
"Oh… ok"
"Hey yeh boys. How was the trip" the giant man asked.
"It was ok Ha…" Harry stopped bluntly.
A girl passed in her way towards the lake. Her face was unlike anything they had seen. It was a deep white, almost to the point of being translucent. The four of them had chills running through their spine as she descended from the train. Her hair was dark and long, and her eyes were a penetrating clear blue with a glint of green, and they had a menacing look. However, below the gloomy stare they noticed she was rather pretty. Hagrid shook his head.
"That was creepy" he said, making the three boys recover from their stupor.
"Come with me, we will get to the castle by boat"
He took the first years to the lake border where a couple dozen boats awaited for them. The lake stood steady beneath them as they approached the castle. The moon lured out of the top of the castle, lighting their way up from the dark night sky.
They finally reached the opposite side and walked steady to the stone steps before the entrance of the castle. It's wooden, amazing gate quiet before the amazed students. Hagrid then walked the last steps and knocked the door three times.
They were received then by a tall, old witch in dark green robes and a pointy hat. He had a strict look on her eyes and immediately earned the silence from the chatter of the students.
"Thank you Hagrid I will take the first years form here"
"You're welcome professor McGonagall" answered Hagrid and went back, shutting the doors with him. The Entrance Hall was gigantic, its wall lighted dimly with torches and a marbled staircase in front of them led them to upper levels.
As they walked, the sound of hundreds of voices started growing on a doorway to their right, but the woman led them to a small chamber outside, where they were tugged in too closely for their liking. There she turned back at the students greeted them
"Welcome to your first term at Hogwarts. Before the opening feast begins, you shall be sorted for the different Houses. This is matter of serious importance since your House will be your home during you school year. You will attend classes with your classmates from your House and you will spend the evenings and free time on your common room.
The four houses are Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Gryffindor and Slytherin. During your term, your development will be qualified with House points. For your triumphs and achievements you will earn points, while rule breaking will make you lose them. At the end of the year the house with most points will earn the House Cup, a reward for those who had made their effort during the term."
With that the witch opened the door to the Great Hall and quickly shut it.
"I hope I get in Gryffindor" said Ron but was suddenly interrupted by Hermione
"I suppose that's the best one. I read Dumbledore was in it. Ravenclaw seems ok but I would hate to get into Slytherin"
"Why?" Robert asked confused
"Well, supposedly most of the Dark Wizards have all came out from there. I read it in 'Hogwarts: A History'…"
"How do you think we get sorted out" asked Harry, changing the subject.
"I don't know. Fred told me it was some kind of test" answered Ron
"I hope he was joking." Said Rob
Everyone around them was silent. Only the whispers of Hermione could be heard, while she muttered every incantation she had read. Then McGonagall came back and everyone gave a step back. She was furious. The word furious seemed an understatement to her glare. Fuming was more likely.
"I have been informed…" she said trying to contain her anger
"That someone from the first year's performed an incendiary spell on the train. I expect an answer immediately"
Someone smirked at this and they saw Malfoy looking proud, muttering to his two companions.
"Well…" she said standing still rooted at the entrance. The voices on the main hall were getting louder and seemed anxious. "I'm waiting. Who is the responsible of this?"
Robert saw Malfoy was about to point out to Harry and shook his head.
I can't believe I'm doing this… ill get expelled!
He then took a step further facing the killing stare from McGonagall. Everyone gasped as they saw him lower his head and sighing.
"It was me, Professor" said Robert. McGonagall stood unfazed glaring at him.
"You will wait for me in here, young one" she said. "Everyone else, form a line and follow me"
As they all stumbled to the main Hall, Harry waved at Robert. Ron just nodded and he saw Hermione shook her head in disgust.
Urgh, perfect I won't even get to the sorting. Shortest stay in Hogwarts ever…
He could hear the great hall quiet down a bit when the first years came in. On the hall, Harry looked nervous everywhere. On middle of the air hundreds of candles floated, lighting the four long tables, decorated with the four colors of Hogwarts banner. In the front there was the teachers table with only one chair empty. In the middle Dumbledore stood smiling at the newcomers.
Harry saw the two Weasley twins waving at him and his brother. Then they imitated Harry`s 'Blazing' act, and he had to turn away, feeling a little embarrassed.
It should have been me… he might even get expelled.
McGonagall then walked to the front and whispered something to Dumbledore's ear. His smile faded a bit and followed McGonagall to the room where they had come out.
"Damn, mate. He's going to get it now" said Ron
"He shouldn't have burn the boy" said Hermione just behind him
"Leave him alone" said Harry "it shouldn't have been him"
"Then who?"
"Me" Harry said looking at the ground in shame.
The door of the room opened startling Robert. What he feared was about to happen. He could see the disappointment in McGonagall. But then he saw Dumbledore enter the room.
Oh no…
He had forgotten. What will Dumbledore think about him? He wasn't going to be able to bear the look of disappointment that the Headmaster was surely going to give him. Especially after what he had done for him so he could attend the school.
"Would you give us some privacy Minerva?" said Dumbledore "I have a few words for this young man"
"Of course Professor" she answered, leaving the room.
Dumbledore followed her all the way until the door was shut. He then turned to see Rob and smiled lightly. Robert then felt the weight of the world had been lifted from his shoulders.
"What happened Robert?" said Dumbledore softly.
"I… sort of burned Malfoy's robes, Professor" he answered
"And what would give you the impulse of doing so?"
So much calm was making him nervous. Would he star yelling at him? He couldn't stand it. He felt he had failed Dumbledore.
"Well, h-he was insulting H-h-Harry's parents, he told him he would end up like them" he said stammering. "And I got furious and then it just happened"
"Oh, well. Things like this happen commonly. You will have to train yourself to control your emotions" said Dumbledore.
"Wait" Robert said astounded "I will not get expelled?"
"No, my boy" Dumbledore chuckled "However you will lose some points for the house you are chosen to"
"Oh well. I'll have to work hard to get them back I guess" said Robert, now at ease.
"That is the spirit" said Dumbledore winking. "The sorting will begin now so go get on the line."
"Thanks pops" Robert said. Dumbledore put an arm on his shoulder as he led him to the door and winked.
"Just remember not to call me that on the school. Anywhere else you can, so don't worry" he said grinning. "Now, let's go"
They pushed the door and everyone looked at them intensely. Obviously everyone was waiting for the feast and didn't take softly on the boy who had just come out.
Harry saw Robert join the line, his face red from the cruel stares of the other students already sat on the tables. Dumbledore then reached for the top chair and opened his arms, speaking high into the void ceiling.
"Welcome to a new term at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! And Welcome to our new students who will begin the fantastic journey into the world of magic" as he said this everyone cheered and Harry relaxed a little bit.
"Now, before the delicious feast you obviously are waiting for…"
"We hungry!" yelled the twins, making everyone laugh
"Of course, of course" he said fixing his spectacles. "First we will have the sorting of the new years. Approximately a thousand years ago, four young but incredibly skilled wizards and witches got together. They decided to create a school. A school were they would pass on everything they had learned, and where they would teach the new wizards the values and traditions of our world. So then, Hogwarts was born. Their names Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Gryffindor and Slytherin. Let the sorting begin!"
He then took an old and dirty hat from behind the table and gave it to McGonagall. It had a rip on the middle that twitched a little bit, like a mouth, muttering some words. She then put the hat on a stool in front.
"So we just have to try it on!" said Ron
"Phew" said Harry; at least he wouldn't screw up in front of all school.
"Oh well…" said Hermione
Harry then glanced to the back of the row looking at Robert. He nodded and Harry responded him likewise.
Everything is okay.
However he still felt very nervous, not courageous or brave.
McGonagall took out a roll of parchment and cleared her throat, demanding attention.
"When I call your names, you will put the hat on and sit on the stool to be sorted. She said "Let's begin. Abbot, Hannah"
The pink-faced girl stumbled through the line, and put the hat on and it fell right down her eyes. She waited sitting on the stool. A couple of seconds later the rip on the hat spoke high.
"Hufflepuff!"
The right table rose up and cheered to the new comer and it was then turn for the next one. "Bones, Susan"
"Hufflepuff!" the hat yelled again.
A couple more were chosen to the different houses and were received gladly. Then it was turn for the bushy haired girl. She looked nervous when the hat covered her eyes, but moments later the hat yelled.
"Gryffindor"
Moments later after a couple people more students, it was turn for Malfoy, who had barely put the hat on when it had already spoken.
"Slytherin!"
Robert was struck. Why McGonagall hadn't called him? What if he wasn't chosen to any house? Harry was nervous, having the same thought crossing through his mind. Three more passed to the front and then was his turn.
"Potter, Harry"
The Hall went silent. As he walked to the front he could see most of the students muttering and whispering. Some of them just stared blankly at him, too astonished.
"Potter… did she say Potter?"
"The Harry Potter?"
He didn't pay attention to all the whispers and walked directly to the hat. He put it on, but it didn't fall down to his eyes. He looked upwards and something strange happened. The hat had shrunk!
But no one noticed. The hat fit him perfectly when, for everyone else, it had been too big to wear it. However Dumbledore looked more interested.
A voice then spoke to his ear.
"Ah! So the first one has come! Where shall I put you!" the hat asked.
'The first one of what?' thought Harry.
"Please, not in Slytherin"
"Not, Slytherin. But you certainly have the qualities, you will be great. NO? Well then it shall be"
"GRYFFINDOR!" the hat screamed. Then, as he put it down, it grew up to its previous size.
He was getting the loudest cheer of all, and he was relieved by not getting chosen to Slytherin. Everyone on his table greeted him fervently, several arms patting him on his shoulders. He then looked at Dumbledore and he was smiling softly at him. He then saw Robert on the line, but only he and four people were left.
When it was turn for Ron, he dumbly stumbled to the stool and was quickly chosen.
"GRYFFINDOR"
He ran back to his table where he was received cheerfully by his brothers. McGonagall cleared her throat once again for the next student. Only Robert, another boy and the pale looking girl were left.
"Varenkov, Tanja"
The room fell silent as the girl walked towards the stool where the hat awaited. Her clear eyes show no emotions as she reached for the hat, but before she could grab it the hat screamed.
"Slytherin!!!"
The girl smirked a little but went completely blank again as she sat next to Malfoy. He tried to call her attention but was utterly ignored.
The last person before Robert then walked to the front. "Zabini, Blaise" said McGonagall.
"Slytherin!"
Robert was now alone. All the stares were fixed on him now. Dumbledore looked at him strangely, half amused, half serious. McGonagall was reading the last name and quickly raised her sight looking at Robert. She was shocked and her hands started to tremble.
"What is happening" asked Harry and was answered by the Gryffindor Ghost, who he had just met.
"I do not know. The professor seems scared by the name. I can't explain it"
"What? Is he you-know-who relative or what?" asked Ron.
McGonagall then turned and walked towards Dumbledore and muttered something quickly to his ear. The headmaster just nodded and answered softly. Then, recomposing herself, McGonagall walked to the front and cleared his throat. The muttering that had been spreading got down in an instant.
"Dumbledore, Robert" she exclaimed
…
The man reached the door knob and left him to his thoughts. He wasn't so sure Mother Katrina would be so easily convinced. His suspicion was then confirmed after twenty minutes of waiting.
Shouting could be heard from the first floor of St. Mark's. Robert couldn't make out anything from what was been said. Then he undoubtedly heard Katrina yell at the old man.
"That is impossible!!..." she was speaking with anger like nothing he had ever heard.
After another half hour, the yelling stopped. He could hear someone coming up the stairs and stood up and paced until they finally reached the door. He was met yet again by the soft smile of Professor Dumbledore and Sister Rosalie. It appeared that she had been crying.
"I have news for you, Robert." he broke the silence.
"Because of the reluctance of the lovely…" Dumbledore paused for a second. Katrina was far from being lovely "…Manager of this institution, you cannot attend to our school while being a member of the orphanage."
Of course, everything was too perfect to be real. He was going to be stuck there forever.
"Therefore, I was forced to find another solution" continued Dumbledore
"As of this moment, it is my pleasure to announce to you that I have formally adopted you".
Robert felt dizzy. Is it possible? It didn't quite hit him yet. Adopted? It was unreal.
"S-S-Soo…" he managed to let out "I will leave… with you?"
Dumbledore nodded cheerfully. His heart was going to come out off his chest and explode from happiness. He jumped around the bed and hugged Dumbledore and then sister Rosalie who wasn't able to hold back her tears anymore.
'Finally everything is going to change' thought Robert.
"The school will now be your home" said Dumbledore "During summer vacations you are to remain in the premises and through the terms you will be able to study with boys and girls your age, learning everything needed to become an amazing wizard!"
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!!" Robert said jumping in his bed managing to take out a laugh from both adults.
"For the moment I need to attend some matters, but I will be picking you up, unless of course I am unable to. In that case, a member of the staff will take you to get everything you need and direct you to the Hogwarts Express the 1st of September. Any questions?" asked Dumbledore.
"Only one, Professor" said Robert nervously, now sitting on his bed.
"Am I going to have a last name now?" Again Dumbledore grinned at the innocence of the boy.
"You will certainly have one mister…" he said "From this day on, you shall be known as Robert Dumbledore!"
Again, he couldn't contain himself as he threw himself to a massive hug to Dumbledore. The tears that had been threatening to come out were finally shed. It was too much to take in.
"You have given me the most amazing gift" Robert said, still weeping,
"I could not have asked for a better present for my birthday!!" he exclaimed. He then let the professor go and went running to Sister Rosalie
"Sister, Sister!" he shouted
"I have been adopted Sister!" She embraced him in the most soft and caring way.
"I'm so happy for you Robert!" she sobbed
"I'm going to miss you, Robert, so much!"
"I will miss you very much too!" he said, now sobbing along with her
"But I will visit you every chance I get. I promise!" he exclaimed, letting go of her. "And then I'm going to do all kinds of tricks for you!" he said cheerfully, getting a laugh out of Dumbledore.
"I'll be waiting to see them" she said, wiping out her tears.
"I'll be leaving you. I have some matters to attend for. Professor, if you need anything I will be happy to help you anytime. If you would excuse me." She finished, closing the door behind her.
-"Professor?" asked Robert,
-"Yes, Robert? I can see you still have a lot of questions…" answered Dumbledore softly grinning at him.
-"Well…" he said doubtfully "I was wondering something" he nodded at him so he continued
"Is it normal for wizards to speak to animals?" Dumbledore suddenly felt uneasy.
This was more than familiar to him.
"What kind of animals can you speak to" he asked calmly.
"Well, most animals seem to understand what I tell them…" Dumbledore relaxed a bit, until Robert Finished "But some days ago a snake spoke to me and another boy"
Dumbledore was struck at these words
"Did you say another boy?" he questioned almost accusingly.
"Well yes" said Robert now embarrassed. Dumbledore was angry at him, or so he thought. "…he looked my age, too. Actually, he looked a lot like me and had a bolt scar on his forehead"
"Really, now?" Dumbledore said, finally letting out the air that he had been holding.
"It is not to worry. Some very special wizards are able to do that, but don't go telling everyone about that, ok Robert?"
"Yes, of course Professor" he decided to let it go and changed the topic.
"So… am I to call you professor, or should I call you something else?" he said blushing a little.
"Let's make an agreement" said Dumbledore "While attending school you are to call me Professor Dumbledore or just professor. Even so, as soon the classes are over, you may call me grandfather or any name you wish. Is it okay for you?"
"It's perfect Professor! I mean, pops" he said.
"Well, I must get going" said Dumbledore smiling at him. "Don't forget. I'll be coming to pick you up soon enough" and with that he left the room, leaving an excited boy jumping on his bed again. I'm going to be the best wizard of all times! He thought. Then he tried to lie down and sleep for the night but the anxiety wouldn't let him.
…
"WHAT?"
"Huh?!"
"WHAT?"
The furious whispers started again and Rob looked red as a tomato. He just glanced quickly at Harry nervously and turned to the front where the stool awaited him. Dumbledore had to call for silence before Rob started walking towards the hat.
"He didn't mention that particular detail" said Ron angrily.
"Well he might have had his reasons" said Harry but he was also very confused. He should have told him. Then he realized he had been in an orphanage before.
"When did he get a child" asked Fred just a couple sits next to him.
"He has no son or daughter, much less a grandchild" said Percy just in front of the twins.
"There has to be an explanation" said Hermione
"I know why" said Harry as he saw Robert get near the stool. All the people who heard him turned abruptly.
"Really?!" exclaimed Ron
"Did you know he was a Dumbledore?" asked George and Fred simultaneously
"No, I didn't ask him" Harry answered. Why didn't he tell me?
"It is his story to tell, so don't ask me any questions"
Everyone turned to see how the sorting was going. Rob had sit on the stool and was about to put the hat on. Just like it had been for Harry, the hat didn't fell down his eyes, and it shrunk just to the proper size for Rob's head. Nobody seemed to notice this.
"Ah, the other heir has arrived. You seem more… prepared than your brother, young one."
"Huh?" Robert mumbled.
'Brother?!! How does it know I have a brother?!!'
"Well, you certainly got what is needed. But ultimately I cannot choose a house for you. It will be your decision. I don't do this very often so you might as well be grateful. I must warn you before, boy. Upon this decision resides the fate of the entire world as we know it. Do not take lightly this choice. Slytherin will offer you ways to become powerful. Gryffindor will take you on the path of truth and bravery, Ravenclaw will entice you with knowledge and Hufflepuff will make you the most noble and humble wizard. It's your choice"
"Gryffindor" Robert whispered
"So it is done then"…
"Gryffindor!!" The hat screamed.
Once again the Gryffindor table erupted in cheers. It was not as loud as Harry, and some of them were still whispering. The fact was that no one knew or had heard of him. As he walked to sit next to Harry, the twins got up and patted him on the shoulders.
"It's great, now we all are in the same house!" said Ron "by the way, you didn't tell us you were Dumbledore's grandson!"
"Oh…err…" said Rob nervously "I didn't want to spoil the surprise?"
"Don't worry, Rob" said Harry "I think I understand what you going through"
They turned back and saw that many faces where observing them, whispering and pointing at the two boys. Again Dumbledore rose and cleared his throat.
"With the sorting finished, I just want to add a few words before the feast" everyone turned to see him
"nargles, tea, twitwil, duntun"
And out of nowhere, the golden plates in front of them had been filled with the most delicious food they had ever seen. Everyone started digging in, but Rob, Ron and Harry swallowed their food faster than anyone.
"Hungry much?" asked the twins chuckling.
"I didn't know someone could eat that much" said a boy next to them.
"Try to live with wizard-hating muggles as a family and you would understand" said Harry.
"Oh, right" Said the boy, extending his hand towards him.
"I'm Seamus, by the way. Seamus Finnigan. I have heard much about you. My dad is a muggle too, but luckily they did feed me" he added amused at the three boys.
"What's your excuse Ron?" asked Percy "our parents do feed us you know?"
"I'm just hungry" he added as he swallowed his mashed potatoes and took in pumpkin juice. Hermione just glared at him.
"So, why hadn't we heard about you, Robert" asked Percy "After all, Dumbledore is considered one of the best wizards of the century…"
"Er…" he said, almost choking with his roasted beef "Well, let's just say I was… unavailable"
"Well it's a pleasure to meet you too" the red-head answered.
After they had finished dinner and the dessert afterwards, Dumbledore called for the prefects to take the new students to their corresponding house. Of course, not without adding some warnings to the new students, as well as the Weasley twins, about the Forbidden Forest and the prohibited magic items.
"I will also like to add that this year the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a very painful death."
"Was he being serious?" asked Ron to Percy. He nodded.
Percy then signaled the newcomers from Gryffindor to follow him. After quite a few stairways, that kept moving as they pleased, they got to the portrait of the Fat Lady who asked for the new password.
"Caput Draconis" said Percy
"Correct"
The portrait then swung open and they entered the common room. It was a round, cozy room full of squashy armchairs. It was painted in tones of red, the color of their house. The boys then went to their room and the girls to theirs. At the top of the staircase they found six four-posted beds with red curtains, each with their names.
Next to the beds were their trunks with their pets on top. Halion was eyeing carefully at Scabbers, Ron's old rat.
"Err…Rob?" said nervously Ron "Your… bird is trying to devour Scabbers with its eyes"
Robert then looked directly at Halion's eyes and for a second his own eyes became just as the falcons. Before anyone could notice his eyes turned normal and Halion turned to Ron and bowed before him.
"I seriously don't know how you do it" said Harry
"It looks that you have trained him very well" said another boy. He was the one who had lost his toad on the train.
"Neville right?" said Rob
"Yea, nice to meet you" said Neville "Neville Longbottom" he said as the six boys exchanged greetings
"Ron Weasley"
"Seamus Finnigan"
"Dean Thomas"
"I think you know our names" chuckled Harry.
"But just in case…. I'm Harry Potter" he said
"And I'm Robert Dumbledore" said Rob lazily as he yawned.
"Well, Good night" said Ron.
And with that, the six tired boys landed on their beds and quickly fell asleep. Only Robert stared to the ceiling. His face changed. He looked angry, his eyes burning the top of his bed. He then fell asleep. But in the back of his mind a beast growled impatiently.
When he opened his eyes again, dizziness overtook him. He tried to get up and slowly pushed himself up from the hard, cold floor. Everything was a blur and he could barely make out a dim white light illuminating the room. Then he was met by the statue of the white dragon.
He managed to stand up on his feet, and as in cue, the old man in white robes appeared out of thin air. Robert could feel his anger rising and the beast inside him roared. It was not a pleasant feeling but he couldn't care less. Clutching his fist, he prepared mentally to jump and attack the old man. But before he could take a single step, the man hit the floor with his staff and Robert was stuck on spot.
"I'm aware of your anger and I understand the reason that is causing it" said the man in a low, yet powerful voice.
"But you need to prove that their sacrifice was not in vain… Learn from the book, and by doing so, you will be able to control the power within you."
"No wait" said Robert
But the man had struck the floor once again and the room disappeared in front of his eyes. When he opened them once again, he was back at the Gryffindor tower and everyone was fast asleep. Ron snorting was the only sound to be heard.
Robert then got up hastily and found the white book on his lap. His anger rose to impossible levels but he remembered the words from the man.
Prove that their sacrifice was not in vain…
He then opened the book and started reading. He would train hard and learn everything the stupid book had for him. It had been his entire fault that the orphanage had been attacked and wasn't going to let it happen again. One last thought kept him from sleep though.
The sorting hat did say I have a brother and I will found out by any means.